Highway Crashes Claim 10 Lives Over Christmas Holidays in Virginia: Police

RICHMOND, VA — Ten people were killed on Virginia's highways during the Christmas holiday weekend, according to Virginia State Police.

Too, four others died just before or after the statistical counting period: 12:01 a.m. Dec. 23 to midnight Dec. 26.

Four of the drivers and passengers killed were not wearing seat belts, and three were pedestrians.

"Tragically, too many families spent their Christmas with family making arrangements for funeral services," said Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Virginia State Police Superintendent, in a statement. "We cannot stress enough the importance for drivers to make smart, safe and sober decisions during the remaining days of 2016.

"Let us finish out this year by simply doing what’s right when it comes to driving on Virginia’s highways. Please drive to save lives."

The 10 fatal crashes occurred in the counties of Albemarle, Alleghany, Buchanan, Culpeper, Fauquier, Louisa, Prince William and Wise; and the cities of Chesapeake and Suffolk. The pedestrian deaths were in Louisa County, Prince William County and Suffolk. The fatal crash in Chesapeake was a hit-and-run that is still under investigation.

The other four deaths occurred Dec. 22 in Halifax County and Wythe County, and Dec. 27 in Chesterfield County.

With New Year's Eve this Saturday, police will have an increased presence.

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